WRITTEN BY: CHRISTOPHER OSWALD (SENIOR EDITOR – RCTRUCKSTOP.COM)
When it comes to performance, nothing is as critical as tires. We tend to harp on this subject because it’s true and too important to risk being under appreciated. Take, for example, the 2015 No Limit R/C World Finals. Lack of traction. That was how the track was being described. Event goers weren’t talking to the Internet to describe the jumps or turns. Instead, the track reports were all about the slick conditions. And, to get right to the punchline, the winner used Pro-Line’s brand new Destroyer tires reviewed here. Considering how little traction the track was said to have, that’s about as good of an endorsement you can get for what the tire’s debut performance.
FEATURES The Destroyer tires are molded from Pro-Line’s proven M3 compound and built for maximum performance. With the classic V-shaped chevron forward-bite tread design, these tires are high traction and great for anyone looking for a alternative to the stock “Clod” tire. And, because of that tread design, they maintain realism. The tread is noticeably low and flat compared to other aftermarket tires that have taller, more scooped treads. Pro-Line includes lightweight foam that works well with the M3 compound to accommodate plush landings and solid cornering. The fact that the tires require foam says a lot about them. Many Clod tires, such as the stockers, are stiff enough to not need foam for support. The width is essentially the same as the stock Clod tires, but the Destroyer’s are shorter. The Destroyer tires are available for approximately $36 to $42 a pair, which puts them at the same price point as other aftermarket Clod tires. DESTROYER SIZE COMPARISON Pro-Line Destroyer >> 5.70″ Tall >> 4.26″ Wide RC4WD Rumble >> 5.74″ >>4.20″ Imex Baja Clod >> 6.0″ >>4.0″ Stock Tamiya Clod >> 6.25″ >> 4.25″ RC4WD B+H >>6.42 ″ >> 4.25″
INSTALLATION These tires are a typical glue-on style. They come with the foam already inside, but I suggest pulling the foams out and reinstalling to make sure they are each properly positioned. This will help with mounting, and you’ll have less chance of uneven foams, which could cause an out of balance tire. That’s a drivetrain vibration you don’t want. Double check your work. Make sure everything is worked into place before gluing. If running at higher speeds, having these wheels and tires balanced is important. Wheel balance units are also available from most hobby retailers if you want to get serious.
PERFORMANCE Once I got the foams worked in and each assembly glued onto the wheels, I couldn’t wait to get out and break these new treads in. Getting behind the wheel with some new rubber is always exciting, especially with something new. You never know what to expect. Here is how the test drive went. Take off: The launch and traction you get from the Destroyer tire is pretty impressive. Acceleration will, of course, be dependent on your battery and motor setup (my test Axial-based truck has stock Axial gear). Even with a mild performance package, my truck took off like no one’s business and held its line well. Turning: Well, this was very different because the vehicle actually went in the direction I wanted it too when I cranked the wheel. I know it might sound silly, and it’s part vehicle setup, but these tires hooked up well even with stock AR60 diff lockers in place. Jumping: This was fun and easy, not because of the rig, but because the landings were soft and controllable. I could tell the tires were better balanced when the truck was in the air. Freestyle driving: These tires took my budget Clod Killer build and whipped it around the pavement, gravel and dirt and never looked back. Thanks to the locked diffs, I had to twist the rig around to get some donuts action, but when I got it hooked in, it was awesome. Because the Destroyer tire is made from a soft compound, and has a lower tread height than other brands, I was concerned that the pavement pounding would wear the tires. Visible wear was nil.
FINAL ASSESSMENT Pro-Line has once again knocked one out of the park here. All the solid-axle monster truck tires I’ve used in the past, these are easily among the best–if not the absolute best. The Destroyers were built for performance, not show and tell, but they still look great. Pro-Line did their homework, watched and listened to the scale monster truck scene and delivered quite possibly the best tire yet to hit that segment. No more cutting or modifying or sanding the treads with a Dremel. It should be noted that it’s been many years since Pro-Line has attacked the solid-axle monster truck tire market. The now almost collectable Pro-Line Giant-Trac monster tire was a popular choice back in the day. However, with the once “mainstream” class dying off, so did the demand for the tire. These days, thanks somewhat to the scale scene, solid-axle monsters are making a comeback. Pro-Line stepped in just in time. It’s pretty hard to not appreciate these new tires, but now Pro-Line really needs to whip up a new 2.6 wheel to match up with these bad boys. Pro-Line has confirmed that while nothing like this is in current development, they would possibly consider it if the demand was there. Currently the Clod wheel market has limited inexpensive durable options when it comes to wheels. Pro-Line could fill that gap. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
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